President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has ordered the temporary suspension of two proposed wind power plants in the Mannar area a 20 MW facility and a 50 MW project despite tenders being called and contracts already awarded.
The decision was made yesterday during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat on the proposed wind power projects and issues raised by local communities. The discussion focused on the country’s energy needs, the economic importance of renewable projects, and the grievances of residents in Mannar.
The President emphasised that energy is a national resource tied to domestic electricity costs, industrial competitiveness, foreign investment, and overall economic growth. He stressed that while development is essential to strengthen the economy, it must be carried out with consensus and solutions to address local concerns.
Religious leaders and residents from Mannar raised objections, citing environmental damage, livelihood disruptions, and non-implementation of environmental recommendations linked to both the wind farm and an ilmenite project in the area. In response, the President announced a one-month suspension to investigate these issues and provide prompt solutions.
It was noted that electricity from the project could be produced at 4.65 US cents per unit (around Rs. 13), significantly lower than the 8.26 US cents (Rs. 25) per unit proposed for purchase from Adani Company, aligning with the government’s aim to keep average generation costs at Rs. 13 per unit.
The meeting also addressed related infrastructure needs, with the President confirming budgetary allocations for the Kokilai Bridge reconstruction and the Mannar New Water Project.
Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody said the Land Reclamation Department will prepare a report on possible flooding due to the wind power plant. Additionally, several state agencies, including the Department of Wildlife and the Ministry of Lands, will jointly report on land issues in the Northern Province.
The discussion was attended by Northern Province religious leaders, parliamentarians from both government and opposition, Energy Minister Kumara Jayakody, Deputy Minister of Cooperative Development Upali Samarasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Energy Professor Udayanga Hemapala, government officials, and members of the Mannar Citizens’ Committee.